FIFA World Cup 2026: Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea coach after WC group-stage exit
New York, June 29
Hong Myung-bo stepped down as South Korea's head coach on Sunday following the team's disappointing group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup.
Hong announced his resignation at the team's training camp in Guadalajara after Saturday's results confirmed that South Korea had failed to qualify for the Round of 32, missing out on a place among the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.
"Today, I wish to step down as head coach of the South Korean national football team. Accepting this role was never an easy decision for me," Hong Myung-bo said as per Reuters.
"However, once I made that decision, I did not consider any other reasons. I believed my only task was to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to me to the end," he added.
Hong was appointed in July 2024 as the long-term successor to Juergen Klinsmann and guided South Korea to a record-extending 11th consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.
Expectations were high for a South Korean side boasting stars such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, with many backing them to progress from a group featuring co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
The Koreans started with a 2-1 win over the Czechs, but losses to Mexico and South Africa left them needing results in other groups to go their way to progress to the next phase of the competition.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think this was coming. South Korea's defence looked shaky against Mexico and South Africa. You can't rely only on individual brilliance, you need a solid team plan. Hong took over from Klinsmann, but maybe they should have stuck with a foreign coach longer. 🤷♀️
This is typical of Asian teams at the World Cup - high expectations, early exit. India is still miles away, but even Korea with all their stars couldn't get past the group stage. Shows how tough international football is. At least they beat Czech Republic, that's something. 👏
The pressure on Asian coaches is ridiculous. One bad tournament and you're out. Hong guided them to the World Cup, which is no small feat. But I guess results matter more than process. Hope he finds peace after this tough decision. 🇮🇳⚽
Watching South Korea's campaign was heartbreaking. They started so well against Czech Republic, but then just collapsed. Reminds me of how our Indian cricket team sometimes fades after a good start. Football is cruel, but that's why we love it. 💔
I think Hong Myung-bo did well to qualify, but the tactical naivety showed against stronger teams. South Korea needs a more experienced coach for the World Cup. We see this in Indian sports too - local coaches often lack the exposure to handle big stages. Time for a change.
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